But be prepared - holidaymakers from across the state are packed and ready to go and many of them are heading our way.

Interest in Port Macquarie as a school holidays destination has surged by 220 per cent, according to Wotif.

The region is ranked the fourth most popular holiday destination in NSW behind Sydney, Byron Bay and the Hunter Valley.

With border closures and travel restrictions, Port Macquarie is being eyed off as the perfect school holiday stop-over for families.

Holidaymakers are looking for longer, more flexible stays and options for self-catering accommodation.

Wotif managing director, Daniel Finch said with intrastate travel, people are looking to holiday closer to home.

"Longer days and rising temperatures make the spring holidays the perfect time for families to enjoy a much-needed break, especially after a challenging few months.

"With ongoing border closures, its clear many NSW families are embracing a local coastal getaway in their own state, which we hope is a promising sign for local operators," Mr Finch said.

"Sun, sea, sand, and stunning scenery, Port Macquarie has it all. Whether it's exploring the Hastings River, dolphin watching, fishing or visiting the Koala Hospital, the kids are sure to be entertained on a trip to Port."

A meeting of Port Macquarie-Hastings businesses will be held on Tuesday, September 22, to establish defined way forward to manage the influx of people into the region in line with COVID regulations.

NSW Police, in collaboration with Hastings Liquor Accord, Port Macquarie; the Chamber of Commerce; Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council are holding an information session/workshop on how local businesses can prepare.

The NSW government has announced its summer COVID-safe strategy.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the COVID-safe plan had been formulated with the lessons learnt from the northern hemisphere summer.

Mr Stokes said there were five pillars of the COVID-safe summer strategy, which would help support the current public health orders, rules and regulations.

The first was to mark out proper social distancing rules in parklands and highly visited public spaces from October; the second was in relation to beaches where people are encouraged to keep a towel-length (1.5 metres) apart.

Other measures will explore outdoor events and dining and working with local councils on promoting alternative spaces for people to enjoy.

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